Ear tagging of cloven-hoofed animals is a critical intervention in tackling stock theft, one of the most persistent threats facing the livestock sector, said Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at Africa Farming
Speaking during a visit to the Mpempe diptank in Mnqobokazi, Hluhluwe, the MEC said the rollout of a structured ear tagging system is strengthening livestock identification, ownership verification and traceability, which are key tools in curbing illegal animal movement and theft.
“The ear tagging system helps with identification of cattle ownership, district of origin, and in areas closer to game reserves, assists in dealing with opportunistic corridor diseases while also addressing stock theft,” she said.
Animals in high-risk areas near wildlife reserves are fitted with green tags, while those in other areas receive yellow tags, creating a clear visual system linked to the province’s Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS).
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Vaccination Drive Supports Disease Control
While ear tagging is taking the lead as a long-term solution, the programme is being implemented alongside an intensive vaccination campaign led by veterinary teams.
At Mpempe diptank alone about 1 400 cattle were vaccinated, while a total of 14 412 animals were inoculated and tagged in a single day across the Inkosi Mtubatuba and Big 5 Hlabisa local municipalities.
The campaign targets 55 000 cattle in these municipalities, forming part of a broader provincial effort to contain corridor diseases, particularly in areas bordering wildlife reserves where livestock-wildlife interaction increases infection risk.
Government Ramps Up Coordinated Response
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa joined 20 vaccination teams deployed across the affected areas, engaging directly with farmers to understand on-the-ground challenges and ensure smooth implementation of the programme.
The department has already concluded similar vaccination and tagging operations in uMhlabuyalingana, Jozini and the uGu and Harry Gwala districts.
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Farmers Urged to Support Traceability Systems
The MEC emphasised that the success of the programme depends on farmer cooperation, particularly in adopting traceability measures that protect both livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy. With stock theft and disease outbreaks often crippling emerging and communal farmers, the integration of identification technology with veterinary interventions is being positioned as a practical, science-based response to multiple risks.
Vaccination and tagging operations in the current district were expected to be completed by 16 April 2026, after which teams will move to the Zululand District from 20 April 2026 to continue the programme.
The department believes that combining ear tagging with vaccination is not only improving animal health outcomes, but also laying the foundation for a more secure, traceable and commercially viable livestock sector in KwaZulu-Natal.
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